My Waldorf Education

In 1993 my parents decided they wanted to explore options for my education. I was sent to visit a small school 45 minutes away from my home and thrown into music, language and art classes I didn’t understand. I wondered where the text books were and why we seemed to be on a totally difference academic level. I mean, weren’t we all the same age? Shouldn’t we be studying the same things?

Over the next 5 years I struggled to catch up to those same students, learning two languages (Spanish and German) developing my inner artist and trying to master various instruments all while learning math, science and everything else “normal” kids were learning in their schools.

Life after Waldorf was an adjustment as I went to a rigorous college prep Catholic high school and then a Big Ten University where even among the masses I felt my approach to life was very different from everyone else. It has taken me the better part of 10 years to fully appreciate the value of my Waldorf education. It taught me to look at my  life and the world from all available angles, encouraged my passion for learning new things and was the only place where I was ever truly comfortable to be my whole self.

It is absolutely impossible for me to convey in a blog post the magical and unique sense of family and self that develops in a Waldorf community. From the students, faculty, staff and even families everyone involved is an integral part of each journey. I am not going to attempt to go on but I encourage you to explore the Waldorf website and I would gladly take the time to discuss my experiences with anyone who is interested.

Here are some images from the Detroit Waldorf School (my alma mater) Auction I shot when I was home last week.

The beautiful hand made pieces that were up for auction…

The fabulous Miss Beth in one of her creations…

I had to resist the urge to go up and pet her…this jacket was amazing!

Have a wonderful weekend!